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Oncology. #Precise diagnosis makes personalized medicine a reality

Nowadays, we know more about cancer tan we could have imagined a few years ago.

Traditionally, cancer was classified by its location in the body and treatment was decided based on the affected organ: lung, breast, solon, skin, blood, lymph nodes, etc. However, today it’s known that it is more precise to differentiate each type of cancer by the type of genetic mutation that causes each type.

Following the advancements made in the study of such mutations, traditional treatments with chemotherapy are being replaced more and more often by therapies specific to each type of change to the DNA.

Identifying the mutations in these genes may provide information about the type of tumor that each patient is suffering from. This is key to precise and personalized diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding cancer better.

In order to understand cancer better (the causes and possible treatments), we recommend that you watch this video in which everything is explained in a simple way.

With more information, you will have more confidence in speaking with your doctor and when making decisions.

Pay special attention to the treatment option called “Targeted Therapy”, since we will be delving into this option further on.

What is targeted therapy?

Targeted therapy uses medications specific to the underlying DNA mutations that cause the tumor to grow, and that make a more effective therapy that is less toxic than traditional treatments.

The techniques for diagnosis and treatment that identify the changes in the DNA and are only within the tumor (genomic sequencing), allow for identification of the control mechanism or DNA of each individual and the detection of the specific changes in each gene, achieving a medicine that is more personalized and oriented to the patient. Thus, the treatment is able to be personalized to each individual using specific medications to attack the cancerous cells with fewer effect to healthy cells.

HC Marbella, in their commitment to innovation do not only opt for the most innovative therapies but also for a precise diagnosis through genetic sequencing that provides a deep understanding of what happens to each patient, making personalized medicine a reality.

For this reason, we have just signe dan agreement with the american company Roche Farma – the exclusive provider of the Foundation Medicine test – through which we make three types of prognostic tests available to patients:

1. Foundation One® for solid tumors.

2. Foundation One Heme® for hematological tumors, sarcomas, and some pediatric tumors.

3. Foundation ACT® to do blood sample analysis when there is not available tissue.

What do these tests offer?

They offer molecular information obtained through the analysis of the genome of tumors and the identification of the specific treatments already authorized or in clinical trials for each patient.

• Maximum precision in the therapeutic decision for each cancer patient.

 

• Description of complementary therapeutic options for patients in Oncology; drugs aimed at therapeutic targets and possible clinical trials. All this related to the molecular alterations identified and present in the tumor of each patient.

What is the benefit of genomic sequencing of the tumor?

Each patient is unique, and thus, molecular profiling of the tumor is key to make appropriate clinical decisions.

Genomic sequencing tests are suitable for all types of tumors and may help obtain additional information for the treatment of each patient: precise medicine.

What is the process to obtain whole-genome profiling (WGP™)?

The tests step by step:

1. The doctor requests the analysis from the laboratory, arranges the collection of the sample in the hospital.
 
2. Upon receiving the tumor sample, it is analyzed.
 
3. Identification of each patient’s genomic code specific to their tumor and analysis of the data.
 
4. A team of experts analyzes the data to find the targeted treatments or research drugs that best suit the identified alterations.
 
5. The report is sent to the requesting doctor.

At HC, we do not only treat cancer, we treat the whole person.

For this reason, we offer you the testimony of Christine Bray, an ovarian cancer survivor that shares her experience after carrying out a comprehensive genomic profiling test through the FoundationOne® test.

Ask us about your case. Our specialized consulting oncologists are leaders in Spain and recognized throughout Europe. They will assess the case and tell you if you may benefit from a Medicine genomic sequencing test. The team works in groups multidisciplinary committee groups, and their goal is to obtain the best results.

Sources: Sites from Foundation Medicine and Roche Farma, Roche press room.

June 1, 2020